The 16 Point Titleist Golf Screen

“UNLOCKING THE BODY’S POTENTIAL”

THE TPI PERFORMANCE MOVEMENT SCREEN is a group of 16 tests that give valuable insight into each individual golfer’s biomechanics. This is NOT swing analysis. These tests will reveal where an individual athlete has a “mobility” dysfunction or where they may have a “stability” dysfunction.

According to Gray Cook, the author of “Movement”, mobility is defined as “ the combination of normal joint range of motion and proper muscle flexibility”. Essentially, are we able to get into the furthest ranges of the swing – how far back can we get into the back swing and how far can we get into the follow through. More importantly, it gives us insight into how well we can get into postures that will promote optimal distance and ball control.

Stability refers to the ability of a “system to remain unchanged or aligned in the presence of change or outside forces”. This is maintained through the combination of balance, strength and muscular endurance. For a golfer, we are assessing how well we can maintain our “ideal golf posture” throughout the swing; also resulting in optimal distance with control.

Gross movement screens identify faulty movement patterns which can give insight into the inefficiencies in the way the body moves. Historically, swing coaches would teach a similar swing to everyone. The problem is, that swing would not translate to all golfers as we all have unique body types. With this in mind, TPI created the 16 point screen to assess each unique golfer’s movement quality to build a swing around. Over the coming weeks we will touch on the various tests and how they relate to the golf swing.

Let’s have a look at the first couple of tests as they both focus on pelvic mobility.

1) Set-up Posture:

The first test is analyzing the golfer’s set-up posture: ideally, the golfer should demonstrate a neutral posture at address (see below):

 

Two common faults include the “S” posture:

and the “C” posture:

2) Pelvic Tilt Test:

The pelvic tilt test is designed to assess the mobility of the pelvis, lumbar spine and hips. It also gives valuable insight into the neurological control of the pelvis. From a golf perspective, having adequate posterior pelvic tilt allows better torque conversion in the swing and results in the increased distance on drives!

Anterior pelvic tilt